PORT CHARLOTTE, FLORIDA – A Florida man, Jammacar Rodkesh Gayle, has been sentenced to 12 years in prison after he used a butcher shop knife to brutally attack a woman in a supermarket during a heated argument in June 2023.
The incident happened at the butcher counter of a Port Charlotte supermarket, where a simple request led to a violent knife assault in front of children and shoppers.
What Happened at the Supermarket?
On June 9, 2023, Gayle was shopping with his girlfriend and children when a verbal dispute broke out between the girlfriend and the victim. According to reports, the victim asked Gayle’s girlfriend to stop using inappropriate language in front of children.
This led to an escalated argument. While the victim tried to collect her meat order in two parts, the confrontation intensified.
Gayle first picked up a frying pan—which was for sale in the store—and walked toward the victim. But his own child grabbed it from him, stopping him temporarily. Then, Gayle picked up an 8-inch kitchen knife from a store display and attacked the woman, slashing her abdomen four times.
Victim Fought to Capture Evidence
Despite her serious injuries, the victim followed Gayle outside the store and attempted to take a photo of his car’s license plate. Gayle returned and tried to intimidate her again, still holding the knife, before fleeing with his girlfriend and children to their home in North Port.
Back inside the store, bystanders called law enforcement, and the woman was quickly flown to a trauma center in Lee County, where doctors were able to save her life.
How Police Caught the Attacker
Investigators from the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office used store surveillance footage and license plate readers to identify Gayle. They received support from the North Port Police Department.
Gayle was eventually arrested by U.S. Marshals in Queens, New York, and brought back to Charlotte County to face justice.
Court Conviction and Sentencing
This week, Gayle was convicted of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon. On Monday, he was sentenced to 12 years in prison for the violent act.
The case highlights the dangers of public violence and how quickly everyday situations can escalate, especially when weapons are involved.